The Travel + Leisure World&#39;s Best Safari

Trip Details

For seven consecutive years, Travel+Leisure magazine has awarded this tour operator "World's Best Tour Operator &amp; Safari Outfitter." This particular safari encompasses the best of the best. And, each year, the itinerary changes according to which properties have been elected to the coveted list of hotel winners. And this year, the extraordinary alignment of the Cape Grace and Singita with Londolozi and the Royal Livingstone in Victoria Falls have created a truly superb "World's Best Safari." Not to mention the other highlights of the program for which Southern Africa is so appropriately renowned--erudite guides, stunning wildlife, the phenomenon of Victoria Falls, the sophistication of Cape Town, the divine wine lands and spectacular scenery at every turn.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Home City

You set off today for Cape Town, which was once again ranked one of the top cities in the world. It wonÂ’t take you long to realize whyÂ—its striking natural features and cosmopolitan wiles make it a truly remarkable place to start your adventure.

Day 2: Cape Town

You will be whisked from the airport to the Cape Grace Hotel, ranked the No. 2 City Hotel in Africa /Middle East.

Day 3: Cape Town

A full-day tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula includes the fabled Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point of Flying Dutchman fame and the surprising penguins of Boulders Beach. Back at the hotel, enjoy a dip in the heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean or the secluded rock pool overlooking the mountains before heading out for drinks and dinner. Tonight, you are welcomed to the home of MicatoÂ’s Cape Town hosts, enjoying a delightful taste of local hospitality.

Day 4: Cape Town / Winelands

The civilized pleasures of wine tasting and estate touring await you in the winelands, where idyllic vineyards and manor houses nestle between misty mountains. At Delaire Estate, you'll enjoy lunch and raise a toast with exquisite vintages. Set high on a mountain pass and surrounded by lush, colorful gardens, the beauty of Delaire's outdoor setting is complimented by its impressive art collection indoors. You will also stroll through quaint colonial towns like Franschhoek.

Days 5-6: Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Leave the city behind and wing your way to Londolozi, the No. 5 Lodge and Resort in Africa / Middle East. Glorious days of fruitful game viewing and sublime comfort lie ahead. Stepping out on your private deck in the pale light of the early morning, scanning the plains with a cup of coffee in hand...yes, you will know you've arrived in the heart of old Africa.
Accommodations offer luxury, comfort and striking African style. Each room has a private swimming pool, and the living spaces are raised off the ground beneath an arching canopy of branches. A wealth of activities are available: learning the tricks of tracking animals, river fishing or joining a yoga session. Game drives are alternately fascinating, relaxing and dramatic in the company of rangers who regale you with bush lore, educate you on conservation and entertain with tall tales. Rangers are also your hosts in camp, joining you for cocktails, dinner and leisure time.

Days 7-8: Singita Private Game Reserve

Singita has been named the No. 1 Hotel in the world (not just Africa) several times by Travel+Leisure over the years and it's not hard to see why such wildly effusive praise has been lavished on this gem. Between game drives, you will spend your days in peaceful pursuits: at the pool, a walking safari, bird watching around camp or visiting the enormously interesting local village with its school and clinic. Or you could simply choose to enjoy the quiet of Africa from your secluded deck, mesmerized by the bubbling swarms of hippos in the riverÂ—complemented of course, by Singita's hidden treasure: the best bush wine cellar in Africa. Buried deep in the cool rock below a lodge is a stellar selection of over 12,000 premier bottles.

Day 9: Johannesburg

You will arrive in Johannesburg, and find yourself absolutely enchanted with your accommodations at the Westcliff Hotel, the No. 7 City Hotel in Africa/Middle East. The property is evocative of a sprawling Mediterranean village cascading down landscaped gardens with lush greenery, fountains and panoramic views over the leafy suburbs. A splendid place in which to unwind, or if you choose, an excellent launching point to explore the city.

Days 10-11: Victoria Falls

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, no words can prepare the visitor for the scale and splendour of this mighty cascade. And here you contentedly establish yourself in the No. 10 Lodge and Resorts in Africa/Middle East, the fabulous Royal Livingstone Hotel which positively radiates romance and colonial glamour. Two days in Victoria Falls allows for ample opportunities to leisurely tour the Falls and its network of rainforest trails, dare yourself into the sky aboard the "Flight of Angels" or be hypnotized by a spectacular sunset on a cruise of the Zambezi. Quiet moments on the hotel's veranda with its breathtaking river views are always fine options as well.

Days 12-13: Johannesburg / Return Home

The Travel+Leisure World's Best Safari draws to a reluctant close. Fly to Johannesburg and connect to your homebound flights tonight.

Related Travel Stories

In this new series, BootsnAll highlights indie travel trips that you can’t do yourself. Independent travel is what we love here at BootsnAll. Nothing gets our juices flowing more than taking off on a trip, not knowing what’s in store. Just heading to a new locale, exploring, and going with the flow is how we like to travel. But sometimes [...]...

Every other week we take the opportunity to highlight one of the many awesome adventure trips we offer here at BootsnAll. We have been lucky enough to partner with Global Basecamps to offer some amazing trips for adventure travelers of all types. This week’s featured trip is for those who have dreamed of going on safari in Africa. [...]...

For those adventure seekers who aren’t super hardcore, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may just be the perfect trip for you. At 19,340 feet (5895 meters), it’s the highest peak in all of Africa and the tallest walkable peak in the world – meaning you don’t have to use climbing equipment to reach the summit. While this doesn’t mean it’s easy, quite [...]...